If there’s anybody in the NBA who would be likely to assert veteran precedence, it would probably be Matt Barnes. Kings rookie Malachi Richardson can certainly attest to that.
Richardson shared a funny story on Twitter Monday of how Barnes, his new Sacramento teammate, forced him to switch numbers.
When the vet make you change numbers cause he the OG @Matt_Barnes22 LOL #IRespectIt
— KingMali (@KingMali23) July 12, 2016
The 20-year-old Richardson, who was acquired by the Kings on Draft Day, wore No. 23 during his time at Syracuse. But since that jersey number is already being used in Sacramento by guard Ben McLemore, he ostensibly chose to wear No. 22 instead. The only problem is that Barnes, who has worn No. 22 for much of his 13-year NBA career, signed with the Kings a couple weeks later.
Barnes, the 35-year-old vet, definitely has a legitimate claim to seniority. And it’s probably a very smart move on Richardson’s part not to get on Barnes’ bad side from day one.
Image Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
H/T NBA Reddit
